Riders Unscripted

In this episode, Natalie works through visualization exercises with one of her clients, who wants to be able to harness the power of judgment and be content with the process so that she can progress in a way that doesn’t feel frantic. They discuss people’s tendency to rely on judgment to progress when it’s blocking them from feeling completely safe. They also discuss how people can re-program thei...

In this episode, Natalie works through visualization exercises with one of her clients, who feels like she loses her sense of connection and safety with her horse when she is in front of an audience. They discuss a competition she had when she was younger where she felt she couldn’t get it right, and in result, created a defense mechanism that blocks her from enjoying every moment with her horse....

In this episode, Natalie works through visualization exercises with one of her clients, who feels like she is all consumed by the sport and her ability to make progress. They discuss the importance of being content regardless of her accomplishments and how unconditional safety in the nervous system can allow her to achieve success easier and more naturally. Natalie guides her through an exercise t...

In this episode, Natalie works through visualization exercises with one of her clients, who feels like she isn’t in control of the narrative or her physical state when she is riding. They discuss the process of tuning into sensation to help create a regulated nervous system so that she can feel safe and in control of her mind and body while riding. Natalie guides her through an exercise to help he...

In this episode, Natalie works through visualization exercises with one of her clients, who is overwhelmed in the warmup ring at jumping competitions and wants to learn how to stay present in that environment. They discuss an experience she had as a kid where she was scared after a fall and didn’t receive the support and security she needed to process that fear. Natalie guides her through an exerc...

In this episode, Natalie works through visualization exercises with one of her clients, who feels like regardless of how much progress she makes, she will never be a good enough rider. They discuss people’s tendency to learn from a shame-based approach and the challenges of learning to ride with a trainer who sold a young and green horse to a beginner rider. Natalie guides her through an exercise...

In this episode, Natalie works through visualization exercises with one of her clients, who is anticipating bad behavior during her rides and has become afraid over jumps, on the flat, and on hacks. They discuss the horse she had as a kid that frightened her and made her feel like she couldn’t make progress, and the patterns were established from that experience. Natalie guides her through an exer...

In this episode, Natalie talks with 5* event rider Hannah Sue Holberg about the nervous system and mindset work she’s done with Natalie and how it’s allowed her to consistently find peak performance in competition. They discuss helping other riders by hosting clinics where they will teach people systems in skill and mindset work that are reliable and repeatable. Hannah and Natalie talk about horse...

In this episode, Natalie works through visualization exercises with one of her clients, who is worried about what the future holds and just wants to enjoy every day with her horse. They discuss the misunderstandings that were established after her beloved pony was suddenly taken away when she was fifteen and how she worries that the same thing will happen with her current horse. Natalie guides her...

In this episode, Natalie works through visualization exercises with one of her clients, who wants to face the challenges in her personal life so she can be emotionally available for her horses at competitions and in everyday training. They discuss the misunderstandings that were established after a traumatic event when she was seventeen and how that has created an avoidance pattern for painful emo...

In this episode of Riders Unscripted, Natalie works through visualization exercises with one of her clients, who is feeling guilty about the horses in her past that have had soundness or health issues and fears that her current horse will have the same fate. They discuss the misunderstandings that were established in her childhood and how she can heal her younger self in order to find unconditiona...

In this episode of Riders Unscripted, Natalie works through visualization exercises with one of her clients, who is dealing with show anxiety and burnout from working with horses. They discuss creating safety within the nervous system’s window of capacity so that she doesn’t feel a need to constantly prove herself and put others’ needs before her own. Natalie guides her through an exercise to help...

In this episode of Riders Unscripted, Natalie works through visualization exercises with one of her clients, who puts too much pressure on herself in competitive environments and feels like she is likely to fail. They discuss creating safety in the nervous system so that she has the capability to accept imperfect moments and remain present. Natalie guides her through an exercise to help widen her...

In this episode of Riders Unscripted, Natalie works through visualization exercises with one of her clients, who feels anxious at shows and has a difficult time enjoying the preparation and act of competing. They discuss the process that her nervous system goes through to avoid feeling the fear of failure and the childhood experiences that taught her the misunderstanding that she can’t make mistak...

In this episode of Riders Unscripted, Natalie coaches Jordan through her fears and feelings of unworthiness as she advances in her training. The session explores Jordan’s childhood experiences influencing her current mindset, with exercises in self-forgiveness and self-compassion. Natalie encourages Jordan to find safety and connection within herself, rather than external validation. Jordan learns...

In this episode of Riders Unscripted, Natalie and Courtney engage in a candid discussion about the difficulties of balancing work and personal life, particularly in the context of horse care. They explore the anxiety and lack of control felt when away from the barn and the pressure to be constantly available to handle emergencies. The conversation delves into the internal conflicts and fears of no...

In this episode of Riders Unscripted, Hannah shares mixed emotions about recent experiences with her horses, including excitement over a new lease-to-own mare and concern for a pony she co-owns who is injured. Natalie offers support and guidance, helping Hannah navigate feelings of responsibility, self-doubt, and the pressure to control outcomes. They discuss the importance of self-compassion, bei...

In this episode of Riders Unscripted, Natalie works through visualization exercises with one of her clients, who recently lost her heart horse and is having a difficult time navigating the grieving process. They discuss how meaningful presence can be and how she regrets the moments when she could have been more present. Natalie guides her through an exercise to help her stay open to all the diffic...

In this episode of Riders Unscripted, Natalie works through visualization exercises with one of her clients, who is reflecting on a 4*-S at Morven in preparation for a 4*-L at TerraNova. They discuss overcoming the feeling of helplessness in the showjumping ring and remembering to trust the training and control the nervous system. Natalie guides her through an exercise to find positive feedback fr...

In this episode of Riders Unscripted, Ashley opens up about her struggle with anxiety during dressage, particularly when trotting down the center line. She recalls past experiences of feeling judged and embarrassed, and her body's response of bracing and tightening. With Natalie’s help, Ashley explores these emotions, focusing on the physical sensations and learning to sit with the discomfort. Nat...

In this episode of Riders Unscripted, Natalie works through visualization exercises with one of her clients, who is preparing to travel for the competition season and give a speech on training horses up the levels. They discuss finding safety in her nervous system so that she can accomplish everything in a short amount of time without feeling frantic. Natalie guides her through an exercise to help...

In this episode of Riders Unscripted, Natalie works through visualization exercises with one of her clients, who has two young children and hopes to one day compete in a 5*. They discuss staying present in the day-to-day so that she can reach small goals that will bring her vision to life. Natalie guides her through an exercise to help turn towards the frustration she feels so she can have the cap...

In this episode of Riders Unscripted, Natalie works on embracing the fear of failure with her client. They discuss what keeps her from achieving her goals and what her version of success would feel like. Natalie uses a visualization exercise to help her embrace her emotions and gain clarity. Meet Your Coach, Natalie Hummel Natalie Hummel, the host of Riders Unscripted , is a former upper-level rid...

In this episode of Riders Unscripted, Natalie works through visualization exercises with one of her clients that is preparing for the American Eventing Championships in Kentucky. They discuss overcoming mental blocks in order to stay present and perform at her best. Natalie guides her through an exercise to help slow her mind down, listen to the horse’s feedback, and ride in the moment. Meet Your...